WHEN a group of Tamworth bellydancers got together to raise funds for women’s refuges as part of a global event, they had no idea they would be the highest fundraisers worldwide.

The girls from Bellylicious Belly Dance, joined by other dancers from around the region and beyond, shook their booties for World Belly Dance day back in May in what was aimed at creating an international “shimmy mob”, the much sassier cousin of the flash mob.

Thousands of bellydancers from across the world participated, but the “mob” in Tamworth were among only a handful of groups in Australia to sign up.

To raise the most money of all the groups was “really awesome and kind of surprising” according to organiser Rita Fisher, and was gratifying considering the amount of work that had gone into not

only the shimmy mob on the day, but also several other lead-up fundraisers, including a trivia night.

On Friday the Bellylicious babes presented a cheque for $6510 to the Tamworth Women’s and Children’s Refuge.

Refuge team leader CharmaneHolm said the funds would go towards a program for 8 to 12-year-olds affected by domestic violence, as well as refuge outreach programs.

As well as the money raised, Ms Holm said World Belly Dancing Day had been a great opportunity to raise awareness of domestic violence issues in the local community.